Extienden atención a todo el año

De servicios de la cámara hiperbárica

Unlike other years when the hyperbaric chamber was only operational during the lobster season from June 1 (sic..July 1) until the end of February, this year it will be available for all twelve months of 2016. This was confirmed by the chairman of the Hyperbaric Chamber Board who said this measure is being adopted to serve others who may require the service, in addition to the fishermen and divers who suffer decompression illness from diving to great depths.

He said there are an increasing number of people who require this service, including those who suffer from 'diabetic foot', as well as other conditions. He said before they being this change, they will have a meeting, in about two weeks, regarding the proposal and costs. He said to operate twelve months a year will require more of a budget for payment of supplies, medical expenses, and employees.

He said there have been 58 people treated for decompression illness during this lobster season, which is now at an end.

En mayo se firma hermanamiento con San Petersburgo: Agapito

Good morning, we wish you a great start to the week from our beautiful island.
Buenos días, les deseamos un excelente inicio de semana desde nuestra bella isla.‪#‎VisitaIslaMujeres‬

The municipality of Bacalar celebrated their 9th anniversary of being named as a Pueblo Magico with a performance of the dance "Añoranzas
de Isla Mujeres" and of the municipal DIF chorus, who played a key role in the celebration, by invitation. (Añoranzas are feelings of longing or a sense of nostalgia)Atendiendo una cordial invitación del municipio de Bacalar en su IX
aniversario de su nombramiento como Pueblo Mágico, el Ballet "Añoranzas
de Isla Mujeres" y el Coro del DIF municipal, tuvieron una destacada
participación en tan especial celebración.

Sister city agreement will be signed in May with St Petersburg Florida

Last weekend, in the city of St Petersburg Florida, the Mayor of Isla Mujeres, Agapito Magana Sanchez, and the Mayor of St Petersburg, Rick Kriseman, held a working meeting concerning the upcoming Regata de Sol al Sol and agreed to sign a sister city agreement during that event in May. (It is scheduled April 21-29th).

The Regattas began a little over 45 years ago.

St Petersburg is known as "The City Where the Sun Shines", and is the fourth largest city in Florida, as well as a popular holiday and retirement destination, especially for people from colder climates such as New York, Detroit, and Chicago.

The municipal Director of Social Development, in his capacity as municipal liaison for SEDESOL, announced that benefits will be paid on the island on March 8 and in the Continental Zone on March 9 & 10. En su calidad de enlace municipal de la SEDESOL, la Dirección de
Desarrollo Social acude permanentemente a recibir información sobre el
pago a familias beneficiadas; el próximo día 8 de marzo en la ínsula y
el 9 y 10 en la Zona Continental, se llevará a cabo el pago de los
apoyos contemplados.

Lobster season endsInicia veda de langosta .. [+] Ver mas
The season for capturing lobster ends February 29, and the ban will last four months, until July. During the eight months of activity, it is estimated that production was decreased by 30 percent. Members of the five fishing cooperatives attribute this to poor weather in February, and say they were more successful in January.
The president of the Isla Blanca cooperative, David Dzib, said that as of this weekend their members have captured about 16 tonnes, which is 30 percent less than February last year. The fishermen also complained about problems with poaching and a lack of monitoring by PROFEPA inspectors.

15 sports fishing boats arriving monthlyArriban 15 naves al mes para pesca deportiva. [+] Ver mas
There have been no incidents since sports fishing season began in December, despite the high winds that have affected the region. The Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil, said that about 15 foreign boats have been arriving monthly for the sports fishing of marlin, dorado, and sailfish with experienced guides. He said some visitors stay at the island with their boats for two or three months to catch and release these species, generating strong economic benefit for the island.
The season ends in April and there are about 35 permit holders who take fishermen out to the locations, which are several nautical miles north of Isla Contoy Park The strong winds that have prevailed this month have caused the cancellation of some trips for the sake of safety.
Preparations are being made for the whale shark watching season, and the Harbor Master said there are 180 licensees from Isla Mujeres who will be renewing their permits. The season is scheduled to begin on May 16 and continue until September 15, when the 293 permit holders from Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Juarez, and Cancun will transport hundreds of tourists to the area daily. (There are two whale shark areas which are overseen by two agencies, with some coordination. The agencies will probably assign the permit holders even and odd designations for alternating days of activity, as they did last year, to limit the number of boats affecting the whale sharks per day.)

Preparing for the Sol al Sol Regatta Alistan la regata del Sol al Sol. [+] Ver mas
The XLVII (47th) edition of the Sol al Sol Regatta from St Petersburg Florida to Isla Mujeres will take place April 21-29 and is expected to include over 20 sailboats. The boats will set sail on Thursday, April 21 to travel more than 500 nautical miles. There will be a series of cultural and recreational events, including the traditional basketball game against local players, as well as a golf cart procession, giving gifts to children of the island, and tours around the island in sailboats.
The sister city agreement between the two cities will be renewed in May.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Marchevents

Sunset ~7pMoon rise over the Caribbean
March 22 6:57
March 23 7:47
March 24 8:37
March 25 9:25
March 26 10:14
March 27 11:03
March 28 11:52

This says the upcoming Artist Fair & Taste of Isla on Thursday,
March 3 at the Casa de Cultura will include music, and dancing...and
beverages... Isla Cerveza are expected.

Saturday, March 5:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, March 19-Monday, April 4: Easter Vacation (Semana Santa)Many domestic tourists visit during this time & the island (and ferries) are busy during the daytripper hours (~10a-5p)

March 20- Palm Sunday
March 20-27 Holy Week
March 25 Good Friday Noon: Viacrusis procession of the Stations of the Cross (Passion of Christ)
March 27 Easter (Domingo de Pascua)
April 5, Tuesday Students return to school

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

March 18, Friday Day of the Petroleum Expropriation

March 21, Monday Anniversary of the Birth of Benito Juarez

April 7, Thursday 4-9p Casa de Cultura: Artist Fair (Last of the season)

LIMPIAN LA CARIBEÑA

The program Ayuntamiento en tu Colonia (the City government in your neighborhood) continues working for the community. On Saturday, City employees and department Directors conducted a clean up in Colonia Caribena. (Photos in City section below)

Red Cross campaign for vision

Jornada de salud visual

En la Cruz Roja

Specialists will be offering eye exams at the Red Cross between 10am and 3pm from Monday February 29 until Friday March 4th. Graduates from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), specializing in eyecare for children and older adults will conduct exams for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy and hypertension,as well as for contacts and glasses.

The consult is provided for the modest fee of 50 pesos, with the price of the glasses depending on the visual problem. The community at large are invited to take advantage of this opportunity.

Serious about regulations: Warning merchants on Hidalgo

Regulación va en serio

Merchants who do not comply with regulations on Hidalgo Avenue and Juarez Avenue, could be sanctioned
economically, and in case of recidivism, could lose their concession to
continue working on these streets. They must respect the limits restricing where they may place tables, chairs, signs, and merchandise, or be subject to a penalty of 50 daily minimum wages (~73 pesos or $4+), which is about 3500 pesos (~$200). In the case of recidivism, the penalty is 70 minimum daily wages, or about 5000 pesos (~$275), and with a third offense the business could lose permission to continue using these streets.

The regulations of the Isla Mujeres Tourism Area Pedestrian Zone states that restaurants may use up to 2.4 meters from the edge of their property by placing a single row of tables with their chairs. For souvenir shops, the maximum area is 1.2 linear meters from the edge of their property.

Businesses which are not allowed to use the pedestrian zone include jewelry stores, pharmacies, bookstores, hair salons, money exchange offices, grocery stores, commercial offices, travel agencies, dry cleaners, appliance stores, opticians, fishmongers, and butchers. Signs, displays, and menu boards may not be placed outside the permitted area. Golf carts, bicycles, and motorcycles are not permitted in the pedestrian zone.

Because we love our island, this Administration takes action, not just talk, with the program AYUNTAMIENTO EN TU COLONIA conducting a major clean up campaign in colonia Caribena in honor of being named as a "Pueblo Magico" Together we can keep our wonderful home clean.

A clean up campaign of the mangroves of Makax Lagoon took place which was coordinated by the Directors of the Ecology Department and the Federal Zone agency, as part of the program Ayuntamiento en tu Colonia (City Government in your neighborhood). They asked the concession holders to keep the areas clean and to comply with regulations about this. El Programa Ayuntamiento en tu Colonia en coordinación con las
Direcciones de Ecología y Zona Federal, efectuaron la limpieza de
manglares en la zona de la Laguna Makax, de igual manera se exhortó a
los concesionarios a mantener limpios sus espacios tal y lo como marca
la ley en la materia.

Concerns about partially submerged boatsPeligrosas chatarras en el mar. [+] Ver mas
There are about six medium sized boats that are partially submerged along the shores of the Bay and at the entrance and inside to Makax lagoon. Many of them were abandoned after Hurricane Gilberto in 1988 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005. There are concerns that they could be blown into other boats if there is a hurricane, or that they could have remnants of fuel, which could cause contamination of the water. Satellite images indicate there are remains of several boats along the shores near the Sac Bajo road, and it appears that no authorities are forcing them to be removed.

Port reopened for small boatsRestablecen navegación menor [+] Ver mas
The intensity of the northern winds reduced, and the port was opened to small boats after three days of restrictions. The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) forecast the arrival of winds from the south on Sunday, although the latests predictions didn't occur with the prolongation of two systems affecting the region, causing cooler days with temperatures of 23 degrees.
There were no incidents on land or sea except minor injuries to a local resident when a visitor operated a golf cart without due caution, which is common when they get distracted (emocionados); drive in restricted areas; or don't control their vehicle properly. The vehicle was impounded while responsibilities are being determined. The large number of vehicles on the streets on weekends leads to chaos in the high traffic areas, such as Rueda Medina, where negligence causes incidents such as this.

IMSS beneficiaries lack coverage at nightSin atención nocturna del IMSS[+] Ver mas
Thousands of beneficiaries of the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) now lack medical coverage at night on the island since the former agreement with the Naval Hospital has been cancelled. More than one person has been rejected at the Naval Hospital so far this year, and the most recent was Hugo Magaña Cruz on Friday night, who was told the agreement is no longer in place.
Sr. Magana presented to the hospital following an accident shortly after 7pm on Rueda Medina when a vehicle suddenly entered the roadway and there was a collision with his scooter, which he was riding with a small child. While protecting the child, his foot was injured and it needed an X ray to see if any bones were damaged. He was not able to obtain from the Naval Hospital due to cancellation of the agreement, allegedly without advising the IMSS. The Red Cross paramedics then transported him to the new Community Hospital, which is not prepared to meet this need. He crossed over to Cancun to receive the required medical attention.
It is recalled that the Naval base has stopped transferring patients at night since last month, which caused concerns, and the state government was obligated to provide an maritime ambulance, when one had not been operational previously. Now that boat is available for transports to Puerto Juarez at night, before the ferries start running at 5am.

Planning only one Stations of the Cross procession on the islandHabrá un sólo víacrucis en la isla+] Ver mas
The traditional Viacrucis for Good Friday will be held March 25, and will be united into one event, with a longer journey from colonia La Gloria to the Town Square in front of the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. More than 3500 believers are expected and there will be nearly a month of preparations and 60 actors participating in the representation of the Passion and death of Jesus Christ in the streets of Isla Mujeres.
For the second year, Jesus will be played by Wenceslao Trejo Martinez, and about half of the actors have participated previously. organizer Gibran Mex Pinzon said the priest, Raul Sanchez Alonso, considered it necessary to cancel the viacrusis of La Gloria and unite with the principal celebration which has a tradition of 24 years, from the Chapel of Guadalupe.
The schedule is unchanged with the reenactment beginning at noon at Capella Guadalupe with the staging of the trial.The group who leave from La Gloria at the front of the Sacred Heart Church will proceed up Paseo de los Peces avenue to Jesus Martinez Ross, past the Dome by Venado, and walk up the road to the starting point. (...no cambia el horario de salida del viacrucis en la Guadalupe, a las 12 horas cuando inicie la escenificación del juicio. Una hora, el grupo de creyentes que partirá de la Gloria, lo harán frente a la capilla Sagrado Corazón de Jesús; avanzarán sobre las avenidas Paseo de los Peces, Jesús Martínez Ross, hasta el domo por Venado y encaminar sobre la vía que conduce a punto de partida.)
According to the Catholic Church, this reenactment is the largest in the region, with many families arriving to participate. Tourists tend to join the final part of the procession, which is now four kilometers long.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Sunday, Jan. 31
Pescadores vs Cockteleros at 1pm at the El Pescador baseball field for the Winter Technical League

Feb. 1, Monday Day off for Constitution Day

Feb. 2
Candlemas If there was a plastic baby in your piece of Rosca (King's
cake) on Dia de los Reyes (Kings Day Jan. 6), you're expected to provide
tamales today for the friends who shared the cake with you. Link to info about Candlemas.

Feb. 5, FRIDAY: GALA NIGHT Town Square 8pm
Coronations
of the Carnaval King & Queen, the Senior Citizen King & Queen,
and the King & Queen with Disabilities. Dance Troupe Performances. Special performance by the young singer Jomal.

The theme for Carnaval Isla Mujeres 2016 is “El Escenario del Mundo” (The World Stage or Scenes of the World). Ten dance troupes are registered. The theme song is “Calor, Pasión, Mucha Diversión”.This article says Monday is Regional Night/Noche Regional LINK. For
more information, visit the social
network sites of the Ayuntamiento (City government) LINK or go to the Casa de la Cultura, Av. Guerrero at the intersection with Abasolo, tel.: 8 770767

Feb. 15 The dance troupe from Renatta Dance Studio will perform "Carnaval
Brasil" at 8pm on the Town Square at the official
inauguration of the National Artisan's Exposition which began
Feb. 13 and continues until next Sunday, Feb. 21

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

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...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.